Beijing embraces summer

08:24, May 08, 2012

"Li Xia", the beginning of the summer in Chinese Lunar Calendar, is coming to Beijing on May 5, 2012 with temperature up to 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).

According to traditional East Asian calendars, a year is divided into 24 solar terms with Li Xia being the seventh solar term. As for the Georgian Calendar, this period usually falls on May 5 and lasts until May 21. After Li Xia, the weather becomes increasingly warmer and the temperature rises to at least 20 degrees Celsius in most parts of China.

In Ancient China, Li Xia was a joyful time, rich in folk customs and superstitions that varied from region to region. In many rural areas across China people are still maintaining these ancient traditions.